Ask Mike
ASK MIKE is a monthly feature of the USC Aviation Safety and Security Management website. Each month, the prior Director and current lead instructor, Mike Barr, will answer inquiries from prior students of the program. Anyone who has taken one of the safety, security is encouraged to send in questions related to aviation safety management or related disciplines. Questions should be addressed to: barr@usc.edu. Please indicate ASK MIKE in the address line.
ASK MIKE
Question:
Can you give me an overall concept of a Safety Management System?
Answer:
I look at a Safety Management System (SMS) as an umbrella that protects an organization from undesired circumstances and the results that these circumstances may produce. It supports the organization mission by reducing risk and as a result conserving vital resources.
This is accomplished by three methods of identifying hazards; operational safety reviews, change management process and a hazard reporting program.
First is a periodic safety review of the companies operation. This is done by an operational safety review. It is not exactly an audit since it will review not only procedures but also actual operations such as ramp activity, training programs, dispatch, etc. The desired result is to identify latent conditions that have potential to cause damage or injury. This is done over a 2-3 year period so that we are constantly re-looking at the way we do business. It will reduce complacency and be able to answer the question ‘What are the real risks within this organization’?
Second is a change management process. This isa procedure within a company that requires a hazard review of any future significant change to the operation. This is a total company effort. Safety will not be aware of these changes if not informed by management. Once a change has been identified, every section that has a responsibility to get together and brainstorm possible hazards. This group will then calculate the risks and submit mitigation plans to management for their final action (approval/disapproval of actions). This program allows the company to be aware of possible risks before a change is implemented.
Thirdly, we all recognize that no system is fool proof. A hazard reportingprogram addresses this.Hazards may go undetected by the first two methods or become apparent only after the new operation has been initiated. This will require a system where individuals can report hazards that may affect company operations. This hazard reporting system will protect the identity of the submitter and be easy for company personnel to participate. These hazards will be evaluated and a risk will be calculated. It is important that the submitter be answered in a timely manner with a status of actions regarding the hazard report. This program allows individuals to become an integral part of a company’s pro active safety program
I hope the above can be of help.